Law & Society

The degree
Law is a key force in society. The law and society degree examines how the law shapes government, the justice system, crime and other social problems, as well as how social movements, officials, professionals, and ordinary people in every walk of life use law to bring change and improve society.

According to the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), law and society jobs are expected to increase by more than 1,200 in the Kansas City area from 2014-2024, with a significant demand among the region’s police departments. KU Edwards Campus is the only institution in the Kansas City area to offer this in-demand degree.

An ideal undergraduate degree if you are planning to go to law school, this program teaches about:

Facets of the legal system and how they interact

Legal policy

Legal and justice institutions

Crime and other social problems

Social movements and use of law for reform

Psychological attitudes and perceptions related to law

Managerial and organizational processes

How to develop effective written arguments and oral presentations

You also learn critical thinking and analytical skills – vital to professional success in law school and public agencies – in small classes utilizing discussion-oriented learning. Faculty mentors guide you through writing, research and career planning.

Career paths
Offered through KU’s nationally recognized School of Public Affairs and Administration, the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of General Studies in Law & Society provides real-world experience through local internships, academic research, and experiential learning opportunities. After completing the program, you will be well prepared for graduate study in law, public administration or social work, or immediate employment in roles such as:

Research analyst

Law enforcement officer

Probation officer

Judicial law clerk

Legislative analyst

Legislative post audit analyst

Corrections officer

Paralegal

Detective

Social worker

Nonprofit administrator

Explore opportunities in the legal field, law enforcement, corrections and more at organizations including:

Convenient class times and location
Flexible course schedules allow full-time employees and nontraditional students to earn a bachelor’s degree without sacrificing the traditional classroom experience. Late afternoon and evening courses meet once per week, allowing you to balance work and family commitments with coursework.